Nike Golf officially welcomes Nick Watney to Tour Staff roster

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Nike Golf announced that Nick Watney, currently ranked 20th in the world, has joined its Nike Golf Tour Staff.

In a multi-year agreement, Watney will represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories. Most notably, Watney will be making his debut as a Nike athlete playing with the world's first high speed cavity back driver, the stunning Nike VR_S Covert driver as well as Nike's VR_S Covert fairway woods. Rounding out his bag of Nike Golf arsenal are the Nike VR Pro Combo irons, Nike VR Pro wedges and a Nike Method Prototype putter. He also will play with Nike's new 20XI ball, featuring more RZN technology. On the body, he'll wear Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control II footwear.

A fan of the Nike brand since he was a child, Watney is thrilled to continue his career with the number one sports brand in the world. "I am excited to call myself a Nike athlete," said Watney. "I am proud to wear the Swoosh because it's the symbol of excellence across all sports and golf is no exception."

In switching to exclusively play and wear Nike Golf products, Watney is making his first manufacturer change during his 10-year career as a tour professional. The 31-year-old from Dixon, California, played golf at Fresno State University and turned professional in 2003 competing on the Nationwide Tour.

Watney, who joined the PGA Tour in 2005, has since won five times on the PGA Tour with victories at the 2007 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, 2009 Buick Invitational, 2011 World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, 2011 AT&T National and the 2012 Barclay's. With his most recent victory at the CIMB Asia Open, Watney has seven global career wins on his resume.

Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sport Marketing Operations for Nike Golf is equally excited about welcoming Watney to the Nike Golf family. "Nick is a tremendous athlete with a passion for sports and the Nike Brand. He is a good, solid, consistent player and one of his main strengths is that he has no weaknesses," said Thaxton. "We are thrilled to welcome Nick to the Nike family."

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great game by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable athletes to perform at their physical and mental peak. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative.

Golf packages starting at $428.50 - Not only will you play like a champion, but you will be treated like one too! All packages include complimentary golf cart and 50% off golf club rentals at each course. Selected packages include daily breakfast.